British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Announces Resignation

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday. His own party forced him to step down following mistakes and missteps that soured the public’s goodwill. Starmer initially gained a significant election victory two years ago, promising stable leadership and economic growth.

Starmer stated he will remain as interim prime minister until the party selects a new Labour leader. Andy Burnham, former Mayor of Greater Manchester, is widely expected to be the top contender. Burnham confirmed his candidacy through a social media post. Wes Streeting, a former health secretary and considered a main rival, has pledged his support to Burnham.

Burnham’s victory in a recent parliamentary by-election prompted Starmer’s resignation. After serving nearly a decade as Manchester’s mayor, Burnham is set to return to Westminster and will be sworn in as a legislator. Only members of Parliament can contest for the party’s leadership.

A statement from Streeting increases the likelihood of Burnham’s selection without a leadership contest.

Starmer is the sixth prime minister in a decade to announce an early departure from 10 Downing Street. His announcement comes a day before the UK marks the tenth anniversary of its vote to leave the European Union, a decision still impacting the country’s economy and politics. Despite initially insisting on fighting to keep his position, Starmer decided to step aside amid growing pressure to hand over leadership to someone who can revive the government’s declining fortunes.

Starmer’s leadership led the Labour Party to a resounding victory in July 2024, yet his and the party’s popularity have since waned.

New Leader Expected Within Weeks

Starmer made his announcement outside the official residence, where he first spoke as prime minister two years ago. Emotion crept into his voice toward the end of his short statement, watched by staff, cabinet ministers, and journalists.

“My party is asking if I’m the best person to lead us into the next general election,” said Starmer. “I’ve heard my parliamentary party’s response and accept it with grace.”

He informed King Charles III of his decision. Over the weekend, Starmer considered his future following Burnham’s election win.

It’s uncertain whether Burnham, expected to take parliamentary oath, will face a coronation or a challenge. Starmer said leadership nominations will open on July 9. The new leader should assume the role before Parliament returns from summer recess on September 1. If Burnham is unopposed, the leadership change could occur by mid-July.

Challenges Faced by Starmer

Starmer struggled to deliver on electoral promises. He faced difficulties in achieving economic growth, fixing public services, and reducing living costs. Missteps, like appointing Peter Mandelson, have also hindered him. Mandelson, a friend of scandal-marked Jeffrey Epstein, served as the UK ambassador to the US.

The Labour Party is losing liberal voters to the growing Green Party. It also contends with Reform UK, an anti-immigration party led by Nigel Farage, which leads national opinion polls.

US President Donald Trump linked Starmer’s possible departure to issues of immigration and renewable energy. “Keir Starmer will resign as the UK prime minister,” Trump posted on social media. “He failed spectacularly on immigration and energy (open up the North Sea oil). Best wishes to him! President DJT.”

International Praise for Starmer

Despite domestic missteps, Starmer gained international praise. He rallied European support for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion and worked to ease economic and political tensions from the Iran conflict. An upcoming NATO summit in Turkey may be his last global appearance as UK’s leader.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commended Starmer for his international role. “It may take many leaders years to become the statesman you’ve become in just two years,” she noted. “European and Ukrainian security is stronger because of you.”

Many Labour lawmakers back Burnham, though some claim Starmer faced unjust treatment. London lawmaker Neil Coyle criticized the “all-out fix and media circus rewards.”

“When the next leader can’t change Trump, Iran, Ukraine, Putin, Musk, editorial bias, or algorithm bias overnight, they’ll also call for their head,” Coyle wrote. “Keep that guillotine sharp.”

Associated Press journalists Danica Kirka in London and Sam McNeil in Brussels contributed to this story. This story was translated from English using generative artificial intelligence.